5 documentaries to watch after 'Chris Brown: A History of Violence'

Released October 27, 2024, Chris Brown: A History of Violence examines the turbulent life of one of pop music's most controversial figures. The film delves deeper into Brown's troubled past, addressing the incident with Rihanna in 2009. His infamous attack highlighted other allegations as well, including serious allegations regarding the s*xual assault of a woman.

Chris Brown: A History of Violence doesn't just present scandals; it challenges viewers to grapple with the complexities of fame, power dynamics, and the cycle of abuse through interviews with those involved and an examination of Brown's impact on the music industry.

For those interested in celebrity controversies, documentaries like Framing Britney Spears and Surviving R. Kelly offer deep dives into the complex, often hidden sides of celebrity lives and their controversies.

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Framing Britney Spears, Surviving R. Kelly, and other controversial celebrity documentaries like Chris Brown: A History of Violence

1) Framing Britney Spears

Spears at 22nd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party - Inside - Source: Getty

The documentary Framing Britney Spears, which premiered on FX and Hulu on February 5, 2021, examines both the pop singer's career as well as her conservatorship, which had an iron grip on her life and medical decisions since it was established in 2008. The conservatorship was terminated in 2021.

Britney belongs to a complex network of people and cultural forces that shaped her journey. That includes insiders like Felicia Culotta, Britney's longtime assistant, and Wesley Morris of The New York Times, who gave their perspectives on the ringside chaos.

The documentary raises important questions about the motives of those closest to Britney, especially her father, Jamie Spears, who made the decisions for more than a decade. Also revealing the dark side of celebrity life, it is a raw, unabashed look at what pop star machines can create and destroy.

This documentary provides a candid glimpse into the more troubling aspects of fame, reminiscent of Chris Brown: A History of Violence, which similarly sheds light on the less glamorous sides of being a celebrity. It's an honest and unvarnished portrayal of how the pop-star industry can build someone up while also tearing them down.

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2) Surviving R. Kelly

a still from Surviving R. Kelly (image via Lifetime)

Surviving R. Kelly, the Lifetime docuseries that aired on January 3, 2019, shook the music industry. The exposé opens Pandora's box on the enigmatic persona of R. Kelly and strips it back to a history of alleged s*xual abuse.

It features testimonies by several survivors, such as Jerhonda Pace and Kitti Jones. The series does not shy away from the dark past of Kelly and the systemic issues that may have enabled his alleged behaviors to run rampant for nearly two decades. It is a must-watch for music buffs and social justice advocates since it gives a raw, unfiltered look at the other side of fame.

It is, in every sense of the word, a game-changer. Like Chris Brown: A History of Violence, this film shines a light on some issues of abuse within the entertainment industry that go unseen and unheard.

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3) Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind

a still from Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind (image via HBO)

In the beautiful documentary Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind, released on June 14, 2018, fans are given an intimate view of the comedy genius's life. It delves deeper into the highs and lows of Robin Williams' career, from his Mork and Mindy breakout to his struggles with addiction and depression.

It boasts frank insights from friends Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg, painting a picture of a man who brought laughter while grappling with his demons. Viewers rave over its emotional depth, making it a must-watch for anyone who has cherished his humor.

It also draws parallels with Chris Brown: A History of Violence, exploring the complexities of fame and how it uplifts or cages its stars. Each of these stories reminds the audience to see behind the comedy and understand the reality of life in such conditions.

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4) Leaving Neverland

a still from Leaving Neverland (image via HBO)

Leaving Neverland, which premiered on January 25, 2019, immerses viewers in the stories of Wade Robson and James Safechuck, both who claim that Michael Jackson molested them when they were little boys.

Through candid interviews, the film explores their experiences at Neverland Ranch. Fans have hailed it as a crucial watch, sparking conversations about accountability in the entertainment industry.

The parallels with Chris Brown: A History of Violence resonate deeply; both documentaries confront the dark realities behind celebrity personas and the impact on victims. Like Chris Brown: A History of Violence in this documentary, each narrative urges viewers to reflect on the cost of adoration in a world that often overlooks the vulnerable.

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5) Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields

a still from Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (image via HBO)

Behind the glamour of Hollywood lies a complex, disturbing reality. Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields is a documentary that premiered on April 3, 2023, lifting the curtain on the life of an iconic actress. Director Lana Wilson weaves a narrative that focuses on the intense scrutiny, objectification, and pressure that Brooke Shields faced throughout her career.

From her breakout role in Louis Malle's Pretty Baby to her battles with identity and agency, Shields' story serves as a powerful commentary on the commodification of celebrity. The film draws parallels with Chris Brown: A History of Violence, highlighting the devastating consequences of living in the public eye. With unflinching honesty, Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields is a provocative inquiry into the price of fame and its lasting impact on those who live it.

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These documentaries provide a deep dive into the disturbing realities in the world of glamour and fame of celebrities and are sure to be an eye-opening experience as Chris Brown: A History of Violence.